Elijah Just | I believe there's plenty more to come from me

Elijah Just believes there is plenty more to come from him as he continues to adapt to life at Swansea City.

The New Zealand international enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Motherwell last term, playing a key role in their campaign and earning a place in his country's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals.

Having now made the move to SA1, Just has settled quickly into life with the Swans and is enjoying a new role in midfield as he adjusts to the demands of the Championship.

The 26-year-old has caught the eye with his ability to knit play together in forward areas, and his terrific work-rate off the ball, but he feels he has yet to show his best in Swansea colours, even though he is relishing the new challenge.

“It's been really good so far. The boys have made me feel really welcome and I've enjoyed it,” he said.

“I think I've settled in quite quickly. Marko [Stamenic] and Welshy [Stephen Welsh] have helped me a lot, and everyone has been really good with me. The staff have been really good as well, so I've settled in quite quickly.

“Obviously it's a big step up to the Championship, so I'm just trying to learn as quickly as I can and contribute to the team.

“I expected every game to be difficult. I think the teams are quite close together and you've got to be at the top of your level every game to get a result. 

“I think the physicality is probably similar to Scotland, but the quality of the players in the Championship is really high. I think the intensity is a little bit higher as well, and with so many games in such a short period, it does take its toll.”

After a strong loan spell with Motherwell and a World Cup campaign with New Zealand, Just is now embracing a new challenge in SA1.

He has been used in a more central role by the Swans, having mainly featured from an initial wide position at Motherwell, and is enjoying the chance to influence games from midfield.

“At Motherwell I played a bit wider and had a bit more freedom," he explained.

"Here, we've got out-and-out wingers, so I think midfield suits me a little bit more. I'm happy playing that eight or ten role.

“Personally, I think I'm still adjusting. I don't think I've shown my best yet, but I've got a good group of players around me and I'm just trying to help the team as much as I can.”

The Swans currently sit joint-top of the Championship having picked up 14 points from their opening seven matches, and Just is pleased with the positive start made by Vitor Matos' side.

However, with a trip to Lincoln City next on the agenda before the international break, he knows the squad will need to maintain its standards if Swansea are to continue that momentum.

“I think the energy around the team is really positive. We've had a good start, but every game is difficult and we've got to work hard every week," he added. 

"Hopefully we can get another good result against Lincoln.”